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Contemporary wall colors


Top 10 Modern Paint Colors From an Expert

Shades to Update Bedrooms, Kitchens, and Living Rooms

Graphic by Cristina Cianci

These days, the word "modern" means a variety of different things, especially when it comes to embarking on a new interior paint project. Some think pure white paint is modernity incarnate, while others picture deep, dramatic hues. But the truth is that both types of colors have the ability to take lifeless spaces to new style heights, depending on where, and how, they're used. Modern colors aren't necessarily reserved for modern architecture, either, explains Benjamin Moore's Andrea Magno. Rather, "they capture a modern sensibility," she explains.

While Magno acknowledges that in recent years, folks are straying from the dated idea that a modern room is one that's staunchly bright-white, she also admits that variations of white and gray—neutrals—are actually the forerunning color trends proliferating today's painting projects.

Consider using one of these ultra-versatile paint colors to give your space a quick pick-me-up.

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Benjamin Moore 

"The captivating, upbeat power of red brings energy into every room," says Magno. Bold and energizing (and with brown undertones), Caliente completely transforms any space, whether covering an entire room or used as a simple accent. "Red never fails to make a statement," she adds, "and you can show off your color-confidence with this classic, dramatic hue."

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 Emily Henderson Design 

Some colors never go out of style, like this versatile, bright off-white. "White Opulence is crisp and clean with just the slightest touch of pink," Magno says. Use it anywhere you want to evoke a serene, tranquil feeling, such as a bedroom or bathroom.

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Devon Grace Interiors

To create depth and a dramatic effect, paint walls black. "It's a chic way to elevate other colors, and it makes a strong style statement," Magno says. Black Beauty is a warm, modern, rich tone that that pairs well with any hue, but especially whites, deep greens, pinks, and metallic tones.

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Phil Crozier; Design by Reena Sotropa In House Design

Another off-white, White Heron is a crisp variation with blue undertones that's particularly nice on trim, casings, and millwork. On walls, white is the perfect backdrop via which to show off artwork and decorative elements. Pair it with warm and cool shades—both work with it because it isn't too stark.

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Benjamin Moore

"Sophisticated and subdued, Excalibur Gray has a slightly violet cast that's ideal in a bedroom or bathroom," says Magno. We love this romantic, moody shade that breathes new life into basic gray.

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Devon Grace Interiors 

As its name suggests, Moonshine isn't quite white nor is it a full-on gray—it falls somewhere in the middle. "A pale gray with a tinge of green, Moonshine is a subtle color that complements many materials and textures; it's versatile and nuanced," says Magno.

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Benjamin Moore

The statement-making Wolf Gray is cool, with strong blue undertones. It looks beautiful on kitchen cabinetry, built-in bookshelves, millwork, and yes, walls. Earthy neutrals, such as muted yellows and greens, and bolder colors, like cobalt and indigo, complement its richness.

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Benjamin Moore

"This pale slightly-green gray is tranquil and elegant," says Magno. She recommends using Silver Marlin in a living room, bedroom, or bathroom and pairing it with soft, metallic accents such as antique brass or brushed nickel.

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Benjamin Moore

Sharkskin reads as a deep, gray-green and is "a versatile color that pairs easily with pastels, and bolder colors, too," Magno says. Mustard and deep red accents will pop against its verdant undertones. Consider it for the exterior of your home, as well.

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Heidi's Bridge; Design by Jersey Ice Cream Co.

According to Magno, Balboa Mist is one of Benjamin Moore's most popular grays due to its ability to freshen and modernize any space. "It works beautifully with a wide range of other colors, and stands up well on its own," she says. Consider ceilings, trim, and walls.

20 Beautiful Interior Color Schemes Designers Have on Repeat

Article Sources

MyDomaine uses only high-quality, trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

  1. Elliot AJ. Color and Psychological Functioning: A Review of Theoretical and Empirical Work. Front Psychol. 2015;6:368.doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00368

50 Best Living Room Color Ideas

Read McKendree

When it comes to living room design, a flattering color palette is one of the first aspects you need to nail down. It will likely drive the whole design scheme and set the mood for years to come. Plus, your living room is probably the most-used room in the house, so choosing colors that make you look forward to spending time in it is a must! Whether you want something bold and bright, neutral, or dark and moody, we've laid out tons of designer-approved living room paint color ideas to help you get inspired. All you have to do is put on your overalls and grab a roller—or, you know, hire someone else to do the dirty work. The hardest part will be deciding between all of these living room colors. But once you do, you can start shopping for the decor.

🏡You love finding new design tricks. So do we. Let us share the best of them.

Seth Smoot

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Gray-Purple

In a Cape Cod-style home for a couple of empty nesters, designer Lauren Nelson painted the living room walls in Farrow & Ball's Dove Tale—a warm gray with purple undertones. It keeps the atmosphere neutral yet inviting.

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Pearl

A soft white paint with a slight gray tone to it can easily make your living room a spot you want to spend all day in. Take it from designer Sharon Rembaum, who dressed this living room with textured pieces in a neutral color palette to boost its overall coziness.

TREVOR PARKER

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Cerulean Blue

Designer Garrow Kedigan made use of Lakeside Cabin by Benjamin Moore on the walls of this cozy corner. The faded cerulean blue acts as a soft backdrop to the rich orange and gold decor and dark gray sofa.

Sean Litchfield

4 of 50

Cloudy Green

Reminiscent of the outdoors and luxurious spas, sage green can instantly make your living room feel welcoming. In this speakeasy-inspired room by Brooklinteriors, Art Deco, Eastern World, and bohemian elements are blended together on a background of Clare's Dirty Martini paint for an opulent but casual atmosphere.

Alyssa Rosenheck

5 of 50

Sunny Yellow

Sunny yellow walls can instantly brighten up your living room— no matter if you have big windows or small openings for natural light. In this room designed by Taylor Anne Interiors, Farrow & Ball's Citron adds energy to the tropical-yet-modern space.

Haris Kenjar

6 of 50

Ebony

Set a moody yet cozy scene by painting your walls and ceiling in a soft shade of ebony. For designer Sean Anderson's client, comfort and function in the living room were crucial for entertaining. He painted the room in Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams and layered items that told the homeowner's story to enhance the welcoming atmosphere.

Mali Azima

7 of 50

Red Clay

Designed by Melanie Turner, this living room's walls are painted in Windswept Canyon by Sherwin-Williams. The assortment of furniture styles is united by a common colorway that pairs nicely with the paint.

LAUREY GLENN

8 of 50

Frost Blue

Frost blue walls—in Benjamin Moore's Philipsburg Blue, to be exact—offer the right amount of softness in this formal dining room designed by Jenny Wolf. Gold framed art and a textured rug add warmth near the fireplace.

2022 TREVOR PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY

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Teal

"It’s a vibrant happy blue while not being too overwhelming, says designer Rudy Saunders of the color on the walls of his Upper East Side studio apartment. It's Fine Paints of Europe Jefferson Blue from the Dorothy Draper paint collection.

Bjorn Wallander

10 of 50

Sangria

Designer Krsnaa Mehta aimed for a salon feel in the heart of his India home. The sangria-and-blue palette of the living room achieves that inviting look that's best suited for entertaining.

Lisa Romerein

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Cream

This sunny living room designed by Thomas Callaway exudes warmth, despite the grand size and ceiling height. Callaway broke the room into zones to enhance intimacy and then used soft buttery glaze on the walls to give the room a golden glow, and layered rich yet mellow fabrics.

Jared Kuzia Photography

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Dark Blue-Green

Designer Cecilia Casagrande chose rich jewel tones for this Boston Colonial living room. It's classic yet fresh. The paint color—Farrow & Ball Hague Blue—in particular, straddles that duality of modern and traditional styles, perfect for a historic home. Casagrande also mixed contemporary elements with more traditional ones to further play with that juxtaposition between old and new.

Thijs de Leeuw/Space Content/Living Inside

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Dusty Rose

Atelier ND and homeowner Carice Van Houten used a variety of plant species to liven up the room and create visual intrigue with different heights and shapes. It really freshens up the bold pastels and rich earthy tones for a unique composition. Pro tip: Don't forget to paint the ceiling for a more immersive impression.

Anna Spiro Design

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Buttercream

Instead of painting the walls blue, designer Anna Spiro covered the hardwood floors in a cheerful blue color. She also made the windows extra sunny by painting the frames buttercream yellow.

Brie Williams

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Pitch Black

Dark black walls and lots of warm gold and caramel tones make this living room designed by Ariene Bethea super cozy but also formal and regal—the ideal balance if your living room doubles as the family room. She used Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams.

Kendall McCaugherty

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Peach

The open floor plan in this Chicago family apartment designed by Bruce Fox called for cohesion between the dining and living room areas. That soft peachy paint and deep pink sofa are reflected in the printed armchair at the head of the dining table, and also mimic the rosy glow of the pendant light. The color scheme was inspired by a photograph taken of the family in London during spring when the city was veiled in cherry blossoms.

Read McKendree

17 of 50

Clay

Dark gray walls can be a bit brooding, like storm clouds, but in the case of this sunny Manhattan apartment by Elizabeth Cooper, they look playful and contemporary. Cheerful pinks, a dash of cobalt blue, traditional granny-chic patterns, and whimsical artwork lighten the mood.

Nicole Franzen

18 of 50

Off-White

While bright colors can help liven up a room, it's not the only route. Take this neutral-toned living room by Kristin Fine: Soft and texture-rich upholstery mix with off-white paint, rustic wood pieces, and plenty of antique accents to make a surprisingly modern impression with lots of character.

Robert McKinley

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Olive

Robert McKinley wanted to keep the color scheme in this country retreat earthy and neutral but also wanted to inject it with a little warmth. He opted for a quietly sophisticated shade of olive green for the walls while the chose a cream color for the wood-paneled ceiling.

Chris Mottalini

20 of 50

Steel Gray

This New York City living room designed by Nanette Brown is a lesson in dark paint decorating that strikes the balance between formal and casual, sophisticated and easy-going, elevated and cozy. The exact color pictured is Amethyst Shadow from Benjamin Moore.

Paul Raeside

21 of 50

Light Lime Green

Take your cues from the bold pattern mixing and modern artwork on display in this living room designed by Les Ensembliers. A light green color on the ceiling is an unexpected surprise that ties the whole room together. Here, it pairs beautifully with the yellow curtains, geometric green ottoman, and plenty of gray tones throughout.

Paul Raeside

22 of 50

Lemon Yellow

Does the thought of painting your living room yellow scare you to your very core? How about now that you've seen this timeless and cheerful living room designed by Michael Maher? One glance at this space, and we're about ready to repaint our own: It radiates warmth and offsets the cool blue tones.

Heidi Caillier

23 of 50

Light Fawn

This muted fawn color in a living room designed by Heidi Caillier is hard to pin down, and that's exactly why we like it. Not quite brown, not quite beige, it's a nice offbeat eath-tone option that functions as a neutral.

Simon Watson

24 of 50

Glossy Black-Green

Deep, dark, and glossy, the lacquered black-blue-green color makes this living room by Kristin Hein and Philip Cozzi seductive and mysterious. Paired with bohemian furniture and accents, the more moody qualities become more approachable and cozy.

Maura McEvoy

25 of 50

Kelly Green Splash

"I love the juxtaposition between the traditional space and the modern staircase," says Eliza Crater of Sister Parish Design. The rich kelly green accent wall and decorative floral curtains help bring some fullness and warmth to otherwise all-white surfaces in her home.

Bjorn Wallander

26 of 50

Charcoal

The traditional, neutral furniture in this room designed by Balsamo Antiques and Interior Design make a minimal visual impact so the moody colors, artwork, light fixtures, and other decorative accents can stand out. A deep, almost purple-gray tone turns out to be a wonderfully complex and evocative backdrop, so don't be afraid to try something different.

Douglas Friedman

27 of 50

Navy

Ann Pyne worked with decorative painter Arthur Fowler to create a contrasting geometric pattern on the walls. "I think of the puzzle-like shapes as a metaphor—it's a game of fitting all these disparate 'treasures' into a graphically coherent whole," she says. Matte navy blue and a gritty mustard tone work together to set a pensive and seductive backdrop—perfect for a smaller living room.

Heather Hilliard

28 of 50

Crisp White

A crisp, matte white is totally timeless. Sherwin-Williams Pure White is there for you when you're not interested in going for a trending paint color.

Francesco Lagnese

29 of 50

Mint Green

Channel a lush tropical oasis, as Thomas Jayne and William Cullum did, with this fresh color. In a living room where the paint stretches all the way up to the rafters, the hue changes depending on the way the light hits it, shifting between sharp mint and soft sea foam green.

Paul Raeside

30 of 50

Khaki

Designer Garrow Kedigian defines a neutral as "anything that isn't jarring," which is a super helpful way to reframe things if cream, white, or gray simply isn't cutting it in your living room and you can't figure out why. Certain spaces just call for something outside the box, whether it's because of an architectural style, light exposures, or existing furniture. Here, the walls are painted Benjamin Moore's Rattan.

Interior wall colors > 100 photos - white, black, red, blue, green wall colors

General advice on choosing wall colors

1. White wall color











Combines with any shade of the palette. Visually expands the space, gives freshness and air to the room.

Good for areas with short periods of light. White color cools the interior with its neutrality, so we recommend adding warm shades so that the white color does not oppress with associations with the sterility of the hospital ward. nine0027

2. Gray wall color







Goes well with most colors, perfectly highlights any interior shade. However, gray is associated with apathy and sadness, so we recommend that the shade be no more than 20% of the color scheme of the interior. It is also better to choose furniture for the gray color of the walls and the floor is darker in tone, this color combination will give freshness to the room.

3. Black wall color










A rare color in wall decoration. With the right selection of accompanying shades, the interior looks luxurious and refined.

However, black will strongly conflict with pure bright colors - yellow, red, blue, green. To prevent the room from being perceived as gloomy and aggressive, try to use no more than 1/4 of the wall surface in the room, dilute the wall with light and light decor.

4. Red walls

Exciting and aggressive color. Pure red color is difficult to apply in the interior, because the shade attracts a lot of attention and is annoying.

Contrary to popular belief about the benefits of red walls in kitchen decoration and the benefits of color for digestion, bright red attracts all the attention and reduces the space. It is recommended to use the red color of the walls in coral, burgundy, wine, terracotta shades. Red color goes well with gray, gray-blue, yellow and muted green. nine0027

5. Orange wall color













Vibrant and warm color to which it can be very careful to push out the other colors When painting the walls, we recommend using a muted range of whitened gentle tones, or as a bright accent. The orange color of the walls is well suited for utility and walk-through rooms - wardrobes, halls, corridors. The shade will give the premises cheerfulness and activity, and the eye will not have time to get used to the aggressive energy. nine0027

6. Wall yellow



Light and bright color in the palette. It goes well with white, black, gray, green, red and brown. Yellow is associated with joy and sunshine. Pure yellow in large volume can cause overwork. Diluted with white, the color will look good in the dining room and children's rooms.

7. Green







The green color of the walls is perfect for decorating living spaces, the color evokes only positive emotions. Green calms, pacifies and provides anti-stress conflict. It is recommended to combine with brown, orange, blue, white and black. Adding red accents in the form of decor will add expressiveness and freshness to the interior. nine0027

8. Blue








Blue is a cool color. The walls of blue shades soothe and relax, and the properties of color expand the room and enhance the lighting of the room, so light blue tones are recommended for decorating the walls of bedrooms, offices, living rooms. It goes well with white, gray, green. And bright orange accessories will add life and sunny mood to the interior.

9. Blue









The blue color of the walls is more saturated than light blue. Blue is soothing and relaxing, but also takes away some of the natural light, so we recommend that you use blue shades in combination with light wood, white, gray, yellow and green shades.

10. Violet




Violet color is between exciting red and relaxing blue, therefore it can have a contradictory effect on the psyche. We recommend using purple paint, which has a white or gray tint. Purple goes well with blue, burgundy shades of red, white, gray, brown. nine0027

11. Brown











Adds sophistication and originality to the interior, especially in combination with dark woods in furniture and flooring. It has a calming and relaxing effect, gives the interior coziness and a feeling of comfort. To reduce fatigue with the brown color of the walls, it is recommended to complement it with beige, white, yellow, blue or green shades.

Trendy interior colors for 2022

07/26/2022

Content:

The color palette in the interior of the apartment is of paramount importance for the perception of the whole design. It is the colors, not the furniture, that set the main focus. In 2022, the trends impress with the beauty of neutral or deep shades that are perfect for any room or stylistic decision - the choice is almost unlimited. This article presents fashionable color trends for the design of residential interiors for 2022. nine0027

Acid and unnatural colors are out of fashion - in 2022 they are irrelevant!

Model: Cremona 2

Caramel, beige, gold

Neutral warm or cold shades hold positions for several years, as they are considered optimal for all styles.

Caramel

Softness and warmth, reminiscent of sea sand or sweets - these are the associations that arise when looking at the design of a home where caramel colors predominate. The whole color palette is relevant - from a cold, almost white shade, to a rich warm one. nine0027

Suitable for use in almost all rooms and in many variants. How to use in the interior of 2022:

Model: Invisible

Caramel shades are controversial for the bathroom. There is an opinion that they make the room too "heavy". nine0027

Beige

A versatile color that creates a neutral yet soft feel. The color palette is huge - you need to individually select a shade for each room.

Beige is not just popular in 2022. They can be the main color of any of the rooms and are great for small apartments and all rooms. nine0027 Model: Avesta

You can make the whole room in a beige palette if you combine the shades correctly. Colors should not “merge” - alternate light with dark, and cold with warm.

Gold

These colors are relevant only as inclusions, decor or small details in the room. For example, a trendy solution is the use of daylight handles in golden color, faucets. Gold-plated wallpaper or decorative plaster with a small amount of shiny warm sheen is acceptable. nine0027

Massive chandeliers with golden fittings will beautifully complement the living room in neoclassical design. If the design of the room allows, furniture fabrics can also be supplemented with a small amount of “gold”.

Model: Flex 1 Molding Gold

A bit of a gold palette suits all rooms, but moderation must be observed.

Black and white

These colors are always considered trendy, but in 2022 their use is gradually reaching a new level. nine0027

Black

Depth and versatility - this is how you can characterize this mysterious color. And if a few years ago black was used only as a quality, for example, black doors, baseboards, lighting fixtures or small decor were allowed, now you can expand the scope.

2022 trends allow for interiors with black walls, furniture and flooring. You can make a large black wall indoors - it will be a stylish accent, especially in the living room or bedroom. nine0027

Where and how else can black be used in the interior:

Model: Linewood 1

Do not use a black palette for children.

White

The most versatile color. It can be dazzling or soft milky, but its use is relevant for absolutely all rooms, rooms of any size and purpose. Softer shades are suitable for decorating children's rooms, classic white is ideal for the kitchen, living room, bathroom or toilet. nine0027

White furniture is applicable everywhere - in the bedroom, in the kitchen or in the nursery. A white hallway will be no less fashionable than a dazzling bathroom, in which this particular color is associated with cleanliness and visually enlarges a small space.

White walls are a classic. Any room will seem more spacious with white walls. Such solutions are applicable to all interior styles and are at the peak of popularity in 2022.

Model: Aurum 1

All shades of gray

Neutral colors have been holding the lead in interior fashion for a long time. The gray palette is more relevant than ever - almost all design stylistic decisions use these shades. It is worth noting that absolutely all shades are fashionable. You can use both anthracite gray and gray-white colors - everything and in any quantity is acceptable.

Gray furniture suitable for all rooms. Even a nursery can be safely decorated with an anthracite bed or a wardrobe - in a bright room, such furniture will look stylish and contrasting. nine0027

Model: Lamira 1

Delicate pastel

Mint, blue, soft pink or beige-lilac - these colors set the trends for 2022 and are used to decorate all living rooms. You can choose the optimal tone for furniture or flooring by decorating the walls in any of the shades of this spectrum.

Designers recommend pastel colors in the design of the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom or nursery.

Model: Libra 1

Pastel colors do not create contrast and are not considered accents.

Blue and green

Natural colors are popular and in demand, due to which the fashion does not work for them. In 2022, you can and should include blue and green shades in the interior - your apartment will be not only modern, but also original.

Blue

The feeling of freshness and coolness is great for decorating the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom or toilet. In these rooms, the use of blue shades in almost any quantity is acceptable. Children's or living room "love" blue in moderation - for example, in the form of decor, textiles or upholstered furniture. nine0027 Model: French 8

Green

The color is associated with spring, greenery and freshness. Therefore, if you need the perception of the interior in a similar vein, then do not give up on the green palette. Optimal use of green is provided in accents and details, but bold solutions are acceptable in the form of completely green walls in the hallway or a kitchen set in the color of lush grass.

It is the emerald shade that is still relevant. It is applicable for contrasting walls, decor, countertops or bathrooms. nine0027 Model: Inari

Acid green or poison green are not trendy.

Other trendy interior colors for 2022

Mineral . Your interior will look unusual and universal with the use of such colors. This refers to all shades of iron, lead, other metals or semi-precious stones. The entire palette fits in with a range of other trendy colors such as white opal or brown rust. Natural minerals can be used in their original form as a decoration or as an imitation. That is, lead-colored walls, emerald textiles, white furniture, and so on are relevant. nine0027

Red . In this case, it is desirable to observe moderation. The red palette is acceptable only in the form of small details or decor, which dilute "boring" neutral interiors. It is acceptable to design a bathroom in red or a bathroom. Household appliances for the kitchen are also relevant and can successfully complement a dark or light small room.

Yellow . All natural shades are acceptable without acidity and unnaturalness. The use of yellow in the interior is considered a bold decision and is suitable for individual accents - textiles, decor, lighting in the nursery. nine0027

Violet . Your apartment will be fashionable and beautiful if you properly decorate the interior in such a tone. Purple is perfect for loft, hi-tech, art deco or classic.

Silver . Here the application is similar to the golden color. Inclusions, accents or decoration in small quantities are acceptable.

Note!

All natural colors are trending in 2022.

Model: Slide

The most relevant are neutrals, especially white and black. Brightness remains at the following positions. This article describes all the trend colors of 2022, as well as their application for urban interiors.

Learn more